The Beat Made For Television Movies of All Time

[publiusr]

So tell us about Lathe of Heaven?

1980 or 2002?

1980…dim memory tho’

[Megotastrophe]

And the Arbitrary Decision for Best Made For Television Movie in the Horror Division goes to Salem’s Lot. Thanks to all the participants and trophies will be awarded at the imaginary convention outside of Las Vegas at Mabel’s.

[monitor_ep]

Ewoks

Ewoks Caravan of Courage.jpgEwoks The Battle For Endor.jpg

When these two movies aired they were not what most people were expecting. These two movies had some horror elements in them that made some parents mad because there kids had nightmares after watching them.

I remember watching (and recording) these laying on the floor enjoying every minute of a free Star Wars film. I bought the VHS when I found them at K-Mart and later on DVD.

[Megotastrophe]

Emmett Otter beats every Lifetime Hallmark Crapsmas Movie ever made. I think those are examples of weaponized marketing

[sprytel]

I remember watching Emmett Otter when it came out and I think it followed the John Denver Muppet Christmas Special. I don’t think it’s long enough to count as a Made for Television Movie but it is definitely one of the best holiday programs made.

Fair enough!

I actually thought of Emmett Otter because my wife's guilty pleasure is those awful Lifetime Christmas movies.

[Megotastrophe]

There are so many good ones that I was tempted to just limit to horror for this month and maybe a new theme next month. That’s not a bad idea really.

[drquest]

When i read the title I was immediately thinking Salem's Lot as well

[Megotastrophe]

I remember watching Emmett Otter when it came out and I think it followed the John Denver Muppet Christmas Special. I don’t think it’s long enough to count as a Made for Television Movie but it is definitely one of the best holiday programs made.

[LonnieFisher]

So tell us about Lathe of Heaven?

1980 or 2002?

I love the 1980 movie. Didn't like the one from 2002. It's the story of a guy that changes reality with his dreams, and the doctor that takes control of what he dreams. Pretty cool story. It just happens to take place where I was born and live, Portland, Oregon. Just thinking about it makes me want to watch it again.

[sprytel]

The movie snob will tell you it is Spielberg's "Duel"... however, the *correct* answer is "Emmett Otter's Jug Band Christmas".

Jugband.JPG

[J.B.]

Please tell me you’re joking.

I'm not joking. Aside from my opinion that those two characters were much better represented in the miniseries than the novel, the Danny Glick window scene still haunts me to this day. Nothing in the novel came close to that.

[RonnyG]

Its hard to choose just one, but the one made for TV movie I've re-visited over and over again through the years is "The Legend of Lizzie Borden." I just love everything about the movie. I love Elizabeth Montgomery's performance, and the production values and storytelling. It was shocking in its day. I still remember the kids at school talking about it the next day. Its tame compared to what they show nowadays, but the ending still packs a wallop and I get chills every time I watch that scene. Montgomery really shattered her cute Bewitched image with this role.

[warlock664]

Salem's Lot. Read the novel recently and was disappointed. Felt the TV miniseries was much better; especially the Straker and Barlow characters.

"Face the Master!"

Please tell me you’re joking.
I liked the TV adaptation but it pales in comparison to the novel.

[Werewolf]

Gargoyles (1972)

[J.B.]

Salem's Lot. Read the novel recently and was disappointed. Felt the TV miniseries was much better; especially the Straker and Barlow characters.

"Face the Master!"